Pentair Chromium-6 Filter

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If you notice subtle metallic or chemical tastes at your kitchen tap in Norfolk, it might prompt you to wonder about chromium-6 presence in your household water. This checklist page helps you weigh your options for managing hexavalent chromium (chromium(VI)) by examining local data and treatment essentials.

Understanding UCMR3 Survey Goals and Limitations for One Household

The purpose of the UCMR3 survey was to detect unregulated contaminants like chromium-6 broadly, not for household compliance

The survey samples public water systems, including Franklin Water Department, but not individual homes

Measured levels in public system water represent averages, not the actual level at your specific tap

Chromium-6 detections do not imply violations or unsafe water by EPA definitions

Data provides a starting point but individual water testing is needed to know household chromium(VI) levels

Differences Between Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis for Chromium(VI)

Ion exchange targets dissolved chromium-6 ions, exchanging them for safer ions to lower concentration

Reverse osmosis filters physically through a membrane, reducing chromium(VI) along with other dissolved solids

RO typically achieves broader contaminant reduction but may require pressure and maintenance considerations

Ion exchange is often specialized for chromium-6 and can be more selective with water chemistry

Choosing depends on your specific water chemistry and treatment priorities

Sample Size and Well Representation in Franklin Data

Franklin Water Department serves over 33,700 people via 9,633 connections, drawing from groundwater sources

34 chromium-6 samples taken from the system between September 2013 and August 2014

Chromium-6 detections occurred in 30 of 34 samples, ranging up to 0.39 micrograms per liter (ppb)

Given the limited number of samples, local variation among wells and homes is likely

These results are informative about system-wide conditions but not definitive for each household

Influence of Plumbing Age and Materials on Chromium(VI) Concentrations

Plumbing components do not add chromium-6 but can affect water chemistry and flow characteristics

Older plumbing might contribute to different water taste or appearance unrelated to chromium(VI)

Corrosion control is a factor for metallic pipes yet does not control hexavalent chromium presence

Your home's plumbing is separate from source water chemistry and must be assessed independently

Testing both source water and tap water is best to understand full water quality

Stepwise Approach to Clarifying Chromium(VI) Concerns in Your Water

Start with reviewing local public water system data available for Franklin and Norfolk County

Consider an at-home water test kit capable of measuring hexavalent chromium at microgram per liter levels

Consult a laboratory for comprehensive analysis to confirm chromium(VI) concentration in your tap water

Compare your laboratory results with local system data and personal water chemistry

Use findings to choose a targeted treatment approach such as the Pentair Chromium-6 Filter, which ships ready to configure for home use

This checklist has walked through how regional chromium-6 monitoring data informs household decisions, and outlined key factors to consider about treatment methods and home water testing. Knowing your own water’s chromium(VI) level through testing is the critical next step before selecting the proper solution.

Where this information comes from

Source: EPA SDWIS public water system record. Sampled 2014-08-05. These figures describe the public water system's record, not the plumbing inside any individual building.

On record: EPA UCMR3 monitoring (2013-2015) for Franklin Water Department (MA2101000), MA: 68 results across 2 listed contaminants, 53 detections above the reporting level; no federal MCL for hexavalent chromium; total chromium MCL 100 ug/L